The application filed by the
The application said letters were also written to the city police and the
The bench, however, questioned what judicial order could be passed in such cases.
"Are you saying the city must get rid of the poor? These are the persons who come from other cities looking for opportunities here. The issue of homeless persons is a global one," the court said.
"They (homeless persons) are also human beings. They may be poor or less fortunate but they are still human beings and that makes them to be on the same footing as everybody else before us in court," Justice Patel said.
The association's counsel
The bench said that was one solution the authorities could consider.
In a satirical remark, the court said the BMC's simplest solution to such challenges would be to start construction at the spot or build a Metro station.
"Start digging and everyone will go away. No one gets to use the footpath then. No pedestrian can walk on it...no car can drive there...no one can live on it. Problem solved.
The construction then goes on for years. It is an ideal solution," Justice Patel quipped.
The court, however, noted that the concern raised in the application was distinct and not tied to the issues of hawkers and vendors in the suo motu petition.
Sathe then said the association would consider filing a separate petition or public interest litigation on the issue of homeless persons.
The court agreed and said if a separate petition or
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